BY Wednesday night next week, Dave Twite fully expects his Winsford United team to have muscled their way into the promotion race.

Having played fewer games, they had been in the 'dead zone' of lower mid-table, until two victories - significantly against well-fancied opponents - launched them into the top half this week.

What's more, Blues are at home in the league tonight and at the same time again nextweek. And if they pick up the six points Twite is demanding, they will almost certainly be in the top six, perhaps even the top four.

'People are saying good things about us but that would really make everyone take us seriously,' said Twite.

United beat likely contenders Formby and Darwen in quick succession and are now poised to go higher.

And the higher they go, the harder Twite will pull them back down to earth.

'We have played 10 games and won nothing yet. Yes, the past two results have been tremendous but my first words to them were to wipe the smiles off their faces.

'I told them to forget it, the game was over and done with. Now focus on the next game.'

The next game is against Castleton Gabriels at the Barton Stadium tonight and, in a week's time, Chadderton are the opponents.

On Saturday, Leek CSOB make their first ever visit to Winsford, but in the SNWCL Second Division Cup. Indeed, United are only away once between now and November 15.

'We have got to take full advantage of the run. It would be great if we won every one.

We have got to prepare properly and that means keeping their feet on the ground.'

Gabriels managed a draw with hapless bottom club Daisy Hill at the weekend and should present United with another leg up the table.

'We are full of confidence but Castleton are a banana skin so we have got to take them seriously,' said Twite.

United are without Chris Kiernan, who has a swollen ankle, but Matthew Tucker has the chance to reclaim the goalkeeper's jersey after a month as second choice to Kiernan following his road accident.

Les Miranda has recovered from a hair-line fracture of the arm and contests a place in the attack.

But Chris Melia, another ankle injury victim, may need a further week before he is fully fit.

Twite introduced late signing Danny Frost to the Winsford public against Formby. He started the season with

trincham and has played previously with Leigh RMI and dropped in comfortably at left-back.

Lee Morgan, centre-back last season, has also inquired about resuming his career with the Blues.

'Things are happening for Winsford. Players want to come here now, they don't need much persuasion.

'It is great for the club and the town,' said Twite.

The point that United could not even raise a full team for a game towards the end of last season under Gary Thomas went un-said. Now the club is on the up at last but, though he is being hard on the players, the players could go easier on him.

'Our last two wins were fantastic results and we showed a lot of character to come from behind in each game. It is something they have done before.I just wish we would go in front and stay there. It would be kinder to my nerves. I reckon they are just teasing me,' he said. Following Saturday's tie, the draw for the third round will be made in the Blues Club by the League Management Committee.